If you are searching for a brilliantly delicious yet effortlessly simple dessert to wow your guests, the Cherry Delight Recipe is truly a gem to keep in your culinary repertoire. Bursting with luscious cherries, creamy layers, and a perfect hint of sweetness, this dish offers a refreshing balance of flavors and textures that make every bite an absolute celebration. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a festive gathering, this Cherry Delight Recipe never fails to bring joy and smiles to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds two neat stacks of light brown graham crackers with a slightly rough texture and small holes. Above it, a glass bowl filled with thick, smooth white cream sits in the center. Surrounding the cream, on a white marbled surface, are small white bowls; one with light brown sugar, another with bright red cherry topping that looks shiny and thick. To the right, a small black bottle with a red cap stands next to a wrapped stick of pale yellow butter. In the upper left corner, two silver wrapped blocks of cream cheese are stacked. Below the sugar bowl, a smaller white bowl holds white powdered sugar with a fine texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in the Cherry Delight Recipe plays a vital role, coming together to create a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and vibrant color. The simplicity of the components ensures that the focus remains on the natural cherry flavor, while creamy and crunchy elements elevate the experience to pure delight.

Fresh cherries: Choose ripe, juicy cherries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Whipped cream: Adds lightness and luscious creaminess that complements the tart cherries.
Angel food cake: Provides a fluffy, spongy base that soaks up juices beautifully without overpowering.
Cherry pie filling: Offers a sweet, syrupy layer that intensifies the cherry flavor and adds moisture.
Vanilla pudding mix: Creates a creamy custard layer that smooths every bite with rich flavor.
Milk: Necessary for preparing the pudding mix to the perfect consistency.
Chopped nuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch contrast and a nutty undertone.

How to Make Cherry Delight Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding

Begin by mixing your vanilla pudding with the milk according to the package instructions. The pudding will be the creamy backbone of this dessert, providing a silky texture that pairs beautifully with the cherries’ freshness. Chill it briefly to set slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Layer the Angel Food Cake

Cut the angel food cake into bite-sized cubes to create a light and airy base layer. Layer these cubes evenly in your serving dish; their spongy texture will soak up the cherry juices and pudding without becoming soggy.

Step 3: Add Cherry Pie Filling

Spoon over an even layer of cherry pie filling. This layer brings a sweet, syrupy burst of cherry goodness that contrasts perfectly with the airy cake and creamy pudding.

Step 4: Spread the Vanilla Pudding

Next, gently spread the prepared vanilla pudding over the cherry pie filling. This layer transforms the dessert into a velvety, dreamy delight that unites all the elements.

Step 5: Top with Fresh Cherries and Whipped Cream

Scatter fresh cherries across the pudding layer and then generously spread whipped cream on top to finish. This final touch adds freshness, lightness, and visual appeal to your Cherry Delight Recipe.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the dessert in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This step is crucial as it allows all the layers to meld harmoniously, ensuring every forkful is richly flavored and perfectly textured.

How to Serve Cherry Delight Recipe

The image shows a slice of cherry cheesecake bar on a white plate. It has three layers: a bottom layer of light brown crumbly crust, a middle layer of smooth white cream cheese filling, and a top layer of bright red cherry topping with whole cherries and shiny glaze. The plate is on a wooden table, next to a white baking dish with two red stripes on the side, filled with the same cherry cheesecake bars. A white napkin with red stripes and a wooden-handled fork are nearby. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Cherry Delight Recipe by garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch, a few whole cherries for a pop of color, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing herbal tea. For a fuller meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or grilled chicken to balance the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the Cherry Delight Recipe in individual clear glass jars for charming single servings, ideal for parties or picnics. Alternatively, use a trifle bowl to showcase the vibrant layers impressively, making every spoonful as delightful visually as it is on the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover Cherry Delight in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully overnight.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dessert as the pudding and whipped cream layers may separate and change in texture once thawed, causing the Cherry Delight Recipe to lose its signature creamy consistency.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply take it out of the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly if desired.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well, especially if fresh cherries are out of season. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dessert.

Is there a non-dairy option for the pudding and whipped cream?

Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk pudding and coconut-based whipped topping to keep the Cherry Delight Recipe creamy and delicious while accommodating dietary needs.

How far in advance can I prepare this dessert?

You can assemble the Cherry Delight Recipe up to one day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and add the fresh whipped cream topping right before serving for the best texture.

Can I substitute angel food cake with another type of cake?

While angel food cake is ideal due to its lightness, a light sponge or chiffon cake can be a suitable substitute. Just avoid denser cakes that might overwhelm the delicate layers.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

Feel free to experiment by adding layers of crushed graham crackers or swapping cherries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries to give the Cherry Delight Recipe your own personal twist.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Cherry Delight Recipe that makes it a forever favorite in my kitchen. Its inviting layers of sweet cherries, creamy pudding, and light cake always bring smiles and compliments. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this dessert—it’s a simple yet stunning way to share a little joy with everyone around your table.

Cherry Delight Recipe

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3.9 from 89 reviews

Author: Chef
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Cherry Delight is a classic, no-bake dessert featuring layers of luscious cherries, creamy custard, and a crunchy base, perfect for any occasion. This refreshing and visually appealing treat combines the tartness of cherries with the smooth sweetness of vanilla custard, topped with whipped cream for a delightful finish.

Ingredients

Base

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup melted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar

Filling

2 cups vanilla custard (prepared)
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Topping

1 cup whipped cream
Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch square or 8-inch round dish to form an even crust layer.
Add the custard layer: Spoon the vanilla custard over the crust, spreading it into an even layer. This custard can be homemade or store-bought, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency for the dessert base.
Layer the cherries: Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the custard layer, spreading gently to maintain the layers distinct and visually appealing.
Chill the dessert: Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until set and chilled through. This helps the layers to firm up and flavors to meld.
Add the whipped topping: Before serving, spread whipped cream evenly over the top layer of cherries. Garnish with fresh cherries if desired for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Serve and enjoy: Cut into squares or slices and serve chilled for a delightful, easy-to-make dessert perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Notes

This dessert is best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate it thoroughly before serving.
You can substitute vanilla pudding for custard if preferred.
Fresh cherries can be used instead of canned cherry pie filling for a fresher taste, but the texture will differ.
For a crunchier crust, toast the graham crackers lightly before crushing.
Nut allergies? Ensure the crust ingredients do not contain nuts or substitute with nut-free crumbs.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American